The sun was setting down, covering the hill in darkness. With no way to tell where they were, Samukai stood up on the Fenfir trying to spot any landmarks. So far he only saw a barren grassland. Now that he thought about it, it might as well have been one of the Kohryu's famous terraced fields. It seemed to be it as the hill wasn't looking natural, rather it was made of various layers, the higher they went the smaller they became. At the very least the king had sent them to Kohryu.

- Do you see anything?- Noktum asked after casting fire to help the samurai with spotting anything.

- Not yet, though we can't be far from a settlement of some sort. We just have to walk in one direction and we should get somewhere

- Not really a great plan- shadow commented.

- Hey, it worked up to this point- warrior shrugged.

- So come on, lead us on- Phantom said looking at Samukai. The samurai didn't have to be told this twice and quickly took on the lead, stepping in front of the hound. Noktum kept a small fire to lighten up the trail before them. Warrior with confidence was going down layer by layer while Fenfir had to be more careful about his steps due to his size. Though rolling down the hill would be a much faster way to get down.

Samurai looked at the starry sky. It might have seemed off, but it felt all too familiar to him. The fields, the sky, the peaceful nights. Right, that's how he spent most of his childhood. It was good to be back. Perhaps they could make a temporary stop in Seiryu? He surely wouldn't mind that. Though walking around like that would be somewhat problematic.

While Samukai and Noktum were enjoying the starry sky, Phantom too kept his eyes open though neither the sky nor the fields were of any interest to him. He had this itching feeling going all over his body. It was there for a moment before it disappeared and reappeared again. Something was off, but what? Maybe it had to do something with the king? No, the previous ones didn't give him such a feeling so why should this one? The plant? Maybe, but why now and not earlier? The list? No, no ,no. It wasn't it, it couldn't be it.

- Master, are you feeling unwell?- Noktum asked.

- Huh? No, don't mind me. So Samukai, do you see anything- demon replied trying to change the subject. He couldn't show them that he was bothered by such a thing, what would they think of him?

- So far only fields. But don't you worry, I know what I'm doing

Going further down the fields only now Chaos could see the true span of it. It had to be country wide. There was no end to it. Every hill no matter how small became a part of the field. The greenery of it all was even somewhat calming. Though it seemed off as there were no animals nearby, not even a single wyvern that would usually plunder the fields. Perhaps the aura that came from the demon was such a strong repellent? Getting to the foot of the hill, the samurai noticed something in the distance. A cobblestone. A cobblestone path. Letting out a triumphant laugh, Samukai quickly marched on. They couldn't be far away from a town. Now if it only turns out to be a town in Seiryu, and it will be the best day of his life.

The cobblestone path curved and bent like a serpent, leading in between the hills small and big. Phantom was already cursing at the road, though the samurai paid him little mind. At the distance, hidden between one of the tallest hills he spotted lights high up in the air. They were too low to be stars and too high to be torches. Which could only have left a sky lantern. Samukai didn't know if he should feel happy or concerned about that. At one hand it meant a festival but on the other another deity they might encounter might not be so benevolent.

- I beg you in advance, don't start up any fights- Samukai turned around to face the rest of the team. They all agreed, even Phantom wasn't arguing this time. Now with that out of the way the samurai only had to hope that this town would have no problem with non-human visitors. After a few more turns the town finally has arisen to the horizon.

Many red buildings have been illuminated by the lanterns, their sweeping roofs casting shades on the nearby area. The buildings all seemed to encircle a great tower rising as tall as the tallest tree. Each of its floors was richly decorated by colorful statues of dragons which guarded the top floors, accompanied by ruby red lanterns the size of man which shone in the night. The other decorations that they could spot was a red flag just barely peeking out from behind the roofs of other buildings and various, massive tails of peacocks, resembling hundreds of eyes that gazed upon the entire town. But what made Samukai stop in his tracks was the golden ornament at the very top of the tower. A vermilion bird, Suzaku.

- Hey what's wrong?- Phantom asked not knowing if he and the rest should prepare for combat. Samurai ignored them and kept looking at the statue. They were here. It had to be a bad joke. Of places, why here? Then came joy. Samukai felt as if he was about to burst out laughing at any second. It was great. After all of these years he was finally here. The dim fire in him that the warrior thought to be long gone was taking the shape of a pillar of flame, eager to devour anything on its way. Then came fear, even if just for a brief second. Such thoughts, whose were they? His? No, he wouldn't, he would never. Tatsuya would never...his thoughts were interrupted when something hit him in the helmet.

- Are you going or will you stand there like a dumbass?- the irritated tone in the demon's voice quickly brought him back.

- Of course we are going, wouldn't want to pass upon such an opportunity- while the rest of Chaos had not understood what opportunity the warrior had in mind, Phantom wondered if Samukai finally made up his mind. It's not like the demon opposed a bloodbath, in fact he endorsed it, but he needed to know if Samukai was ready for such commitment and if it wasn't just a whimsical thought.

Samurai, now full of confidence, without fear, lead them across the path right to the gate that stood out from the old stone wall, right with an old wooden post right above it. The four guardsmen clad in light red armors drew their naginatas at the first glimpse of the approaching figures. Warrior went on ahead, leaving Fenfir and the rest in the back.

- State your business!- one of the guards said with a deep voice as the rest pointed the blades at the walking armor. They visibly paled at the sight of the hellhound and its raiders.

- Just a bunch of your local shinigami coming to feast- noticing the hesitation in the guardsmen eyes, Samukai came closer pushing away the blade that was dangerously close to where his neck would be- You are going to let us in, yes? It would be pretty bad if you wouldn't- in silence the guardsmen exchanged glances. If they truly were shinigami then it would be wise to do what they want, but if those were some mere yokai only parading as such then the town could be in danger.

- Oh come one, don't want to make the big guy waiting- samurai pointed at the purple snake. Phantom with interest in eyes simply took a quick glance at Samukai. His attitude was strange to say the least. It was entertaining to watch, but it also was slightly unnerving. After all, the warrior was probably the most peaceful of them all, thus seeing him lie and threaten the guards was not what demon would expect from him.

- So how are we doing it? Are you letting us in or not?- the guardsmen let out a defeated sigh and soon after the great wooden gate opened with a creak, revealing a richly decorated street where one could not distinguish one stand from another. All of them in red, orange and yellow as if made of the vermilion bird's feathers. And on those streets were people in robes and dresses which would make peacocks envious. Women could with ease pass as daughters of the emperor and men for heroes of the tales old. If Samukai had not known better, he would say that it was a paradise on earth. But it was Suzaku, far from any paradise. Samurai entered through the gate with a rather joyful step.

The very moment Chaos has stepped through the gate the folks have stopped and gawked in wonder, fear and some even in ave. While not unwelcome, such attention was slowly irritating the warrior. Had they never seen a shinigami before? An idea came to him. The night was still young so they should enjoy themselves for now, and after that he will do what he waited for.

- Good people of Suzaku- Samukai's voice was loud, echoing through the street and full of confidence. Though having both "good" and "Suzaku" in one sentence made him nearly vomit- Feel yourself blessed to be in the presence of four powerful shinigami. I hope that I and my companions will be met with such hospitality that no harm will ever fall upon your town- the people were visibly uncomfortable and distressed in their presence. Though they had not spoken their mind in fear of bringing the wrath of the death gods onto them. Is that how Phantom felt for most of the time? He could get used to it.

Samukai spotted an elderly figure stepping out of the crowd. Clad in dark blue robes, a face mask and coolie hat in the same color, only his knee long white hair stood out. The figure removed the mask and revealed a wrinkled face of an elderly man, probably the sage of this town. The townspeople still were quiet but now they were more focused on the man rather than on the shinigami.

- I hereby welcome thee in the Niaochao, oh so graceful shinigami- his voice came out raspy and deep. Phantom smiled at the praise, while Samukai kept his gaze on the elder. The green eyes of the man did the same to him, never letting him out of sight. Did he figure out their lie? No, Phantom's aura was probably strong enough to be mistaken with a deity, or so the samurai hoped. Perhaps he was just vary in the presence of the gods?

- I assume that you are the sage?- the man in question silently nodded- Well then, won't you invite us to the festival? It would be rude to keep the guests waiting- the sage only smiled gently.

- Of course, of course. Graceful shinigami I would love to invite you to Birth of the Vermilion Bird. My dear people! Let's rejoin in such a joyful time and treat our guests with utter respect as that is what merciful Suzaku would have wanted from us!- "merciful"? Where was their mercy all of those years ago? No, no. Samukai couldn't let anger get the better of him right now. The elderly man led them to what samurai could guess to be a town square. Encircled by many red stands was a great golden pedestal, beautifully decorated with images of Suzaku, its golden feather which covered each corner and in the middle of it was an unlit bonfire.

- My dear guests, make yourselves at home and enjoy with us the descent of Suzaku- the sage bowled deeply before disappearing into the crowd. Fenfir quickly got the message and sat himself on the pedestal, with Phantom lying next to him. Samukai too sat next to him, though his hands were slightly shaking. Demon grinned as he faced the samurai.

- What's bothering you? I thought that you made up your mind?

- I did! I...I just want to wait for the right moment

- Now you slightly sound like me- Phantom slithered closer to the warrior, Samukai could now feel his breath on his helmet- If you plan something like that then either commit to it fully or don't do it at all- samurai wasn't sure but he could swear that there was some mockery in demon's voice.

- Oh shut up, what do you know?

The foolish demon is right. Something as delightful as that cannot be done with mere whimsical thoughts Samukai felt chills going down his body. Where did that voice come from? What did he want from him?

Who...Who are you?

Let's say that I am a close friend to your leader. I have helped him and now I would love to help you too. I know that you are planning something splendid! But do you have what it takes? You wouldn't want to regret it, would you? Even this new voice seemed to mock him.

Samukai sat in silence, thinking to himself. Did he have that? Of course, he was ready to slaughter them all. Samurai shuddered at the thought. Whose thought was it? His? No, he would never be so vile. It did not matter that they weren't those who killed him, they were equally guilty. What was he thinking? Tatsuya would never hold a grudge against the innocent. But they weren't innocent and Samukai knew that. No, they did not kill him, those were long dead. So what if they were dead? It would make him feel good, that's all that mattered. No, Tatsuya could never kill innocent...but Samukai could. He was capable of doing so, he had the strength.

Have you finally made up your mind?

Why do you care? It's not your problem! Nothing about me concerns you

You are just like that snake. I have more concern in this than you can even imagine. In fact I can help you with your revenge

How so? How can I even trust you? You are just a voice in my head, you can't do jack shit

How, you ask? It's simple. Throw away the remains of the mask which makes you a man. Become a monster that you are

I'm not a monster!

You claim to not be a monster, but you are neither a man. So what are you?

What was he? It was obvious. He was Samukai. And what was Samukai? His foot was nervously tapping the cobblestone street as his cupped hands were shaking uncontrollably. The voice was gone and no matter how many times he called out to it, it simply ignored him. Yet the question still rang in his head. Many gazes were focused on him. Gazes of townspeople who were avoiding him like fire, gaze of Noktum and Fenfir which didn't try to hide their concern towards the samurai and at last the gaze of the demon which seemed to be suspicious of something.

- Hey seriously, what's bothering you?- Phantom asked as he scratched his chin. Though for a brief moment he could swear that he felt Pharaoh's presence. But it couldn't be, he wasn't being pestered by his stupid questions so it couldn't be it. Unless...demon now had to be wary around the samurai. Something bad was going on behind his back.

- Nothing! Nothing is bothering me!- Samukai stood up, waving his arms and scaring even more townspeople. As suddenly as the outburst came, it went away. With a deep exhausted sigh, Samukai sat on the cobblestone street, looking as if the entire life force was sucked out from him.

- As I thought. Waiting for it is no good for you. Come on, let's burn this town and get on with our journey

- No, please give me some more time

- Do you want to do this or not?- Samukai did not know how to answer that. Of course he wanted that, but on the other hand he felt like he couldn't bring himself to harm them. But why? They were from Suzaku, he should only feel hatred towards them. And he felt it. He hated them. He hated those who killed him and his father. They weren't them so he shouldn't hate them. Though it felt wrong to him, they deserved it. It was eye for an eye. As Samukai was lost in thoughts, someone came running their way. Samurai turned, only to see a small boy standing close to the pedestal. He couldn't be more than ten and even though his eyes were covered by his shaggy black hair, the samurai was sure that they were sparkling with excitement.

- Hey, hey mister, are you really a shinigami?!- the young boy struggled to stand still and come right next to the warrior. Samurai then spotted another figure that was rapidly approaching them. A horribly out of breath man who was long past his youthful days has stopped right beside the kid. The young boy immediately turned down his excitement and looked down.

- Oh gracious shinigami, I am terribly sorry for my son. You were first deities that came to our town since a long time and he couldn't keep his excitement down

- Nevermind... it's fine- they both bowed deeply and vanished in the crowded street. Even despite that, the warrior could see how the boy was happily running around his father, just like he used to. Samukai took a deep sigh. Now he just felt terrible. After his own excitement had vanished he felt like a husk of a man. He was foolish. Neither Tatsuya nor Samukai could bring themselves to kill them like that. He was weak. Would it mean that his entire afterlife was for nothing, that he was brought to Hell for nothing? He let out a slight laughter. Of course it was.

- Can we... can we go now?- samurai asked meekly, getting the attention from the rest of his teammates.

- You mean like right now? But they haven't even brought us the offerings yet- demon sounded offended at the fact that samurai would propose such a thing, but then his face took a rather solemn look- Don't tell me that this boy knocked that idea out of your head- samurai stayed silent. Demon too became silent. Noktum and Fenfir watched in anticipation as the air around them grew thicker. After what seemed like hours, Phantom finally let out a defeated sigh.

- Fine, perhaps it will be better this way. I guess it would be better for you to regret not killing them rather than doing so

- And how do you know that I will regret that?

- I don't. But that thought lingered in your head for a while, right? So who knows perhaps you will regret that next day, next week, month, century or hell, you might not even regret it at all

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

- I'm sure of it- Samukai once again turned silent- Is there anything you regret?- this question genuinely caught the demon off guard. Just why did he want to know that? Nevermind, he doubted that there was such a thing. He was a demon and demons barely regretted. Just then a one morbid thought came to his head.

You should be in that grave

- Perhaps there is this one thing, but it's something you shouldn't worry about

- And what it can be, not killing enough angels?- demon smiled at that. Yes, they should keep it that way.

- Hmph, well then, let's go- as Phantom stood up so did Fenfir. The hound was sniffing the air, something sharp hitting its nose. Demon felt that too. Smoke. It was coming from over the fields. A bright glow has appeared in the distance. The orange light grimly illuminated the night. Then came the noise of metal hitting against metal, an arrow being let loose and horses closing it. It all mixed with panicked screams of people, burning arrows hitting roofs, blood splattering on the walls and dead falling on the ground. The invaders quickly took over the eastern gate, burning it down and were now closing in to the town square, beheading everyone who stood on their way.

Chaos stood in place awaiting the invaders. Demon smiled, perhaps he would get something to do this night. Samukai was slowly getting away from the square, step by step. It was none of his concern. This town would have been burned sooner or later anyway, that's how it was in Kohryu. And it was perfect for him. He didn't have to get blood on his hands and they would suffer just like he did. That's right, just like he. All of those years ago. Families torn, children orphaned if lucky or sold to slavery.

Samukai stopped. He turned out and rushed to the eastern gate, passing by dumbfounded Chaos. A bunch of warriors were already close to the square. Samurai drew Izanagi and slashed the first man who was in the way of his blade. The body cut in half fell to the ground. Only then did the samurai notice the armor they were wearing. This green armor, it was no mistake, belonged to Seiryu. If the color did not give it away, the crest with the serpentine dragon only mortified the warrior even more. Seiryu soldiers. Why were they here?

As Samukai was lost in thoughts, more soldiers approached him. They carefully tried to encircle him, especially when they noticed the cut in half corpse. No normal blade was this sharp. The samurai who still stood as a statue had not even noticed the group that had their blades pointed at him. Their confidence quickly faded as two reddish beams came their way, wiping out a half of their forces.

- How many times do I have to say that to you? If you need to space out, do it after the battle, not during it- the stern voice of Phantom and terrified screams of Seiryu's soldiers snapped out the warrior from his thoughts. Before he could say anything, a powerful wave of energy crashed into him and sent him back to the town square.

- Any harm done to my men will be seen as a great offense towards Seiryu and its people- another gravy voice chimed in. Its owner was a tall man, taller than Samukai. His armor compared to others was darker, much darker and decorated with gold. The other thing that made the armor stand out was the fact that it was double layered, making its owner seem even bulkier than he already was. His helmet resembled a fierce and terrifying oni. On his shoulder rested a naginata made of the finest steel and wood.

- General Isshin, we are terribly sorry. We had not expected an ambush- one of the soldiers that arrived with the general said. The shogun in question only moved his cold gaze at the distant attackers. A purple snake, a robbed figure and a great black wolf. Just what the hell even were they?

- You- he pointed his weapon at Chaos- That was a cowardly attack on my men, who are you?

- Do you prefer death gods or demons?- the snake replied. Was he mocking him?

- Bold words for a soon to be dead yokai- a "yokai"? Those lowly demons? That's what he was compared to? Phantom gritted his teeth. He was already preparing an abbadon, but a wave of energy clashed with it as the pentagram was charging and it exploded covering the area in smoke.

- Fool, don't think that you will get me with a ranged spell- that was it. First calling him a lowly demon, now interrupting his spell. Demon already ached to see his face when a black comet would be above them.

Now now, don't get too carried away

Pharaoh? The hell do you want now?

Nothing much, just sit down and watch

Watch what? This lingered in his mind as he leaped into the air, dodging another wave. This general was getting on his nerves. Calling him a fool when he himself used only one martial art over and over. Demon quickly looked in the direction of the Samukai. He scoffed. Five soldiers have begun to encircle him and yet he barely got up from the ground. Did he space out again?

Samukai at the moment felt sick. Not only because of the wave that hit him but mostly of the horrible headache that suddenly came to him. The five men that circled around him were still wary of him, even if his moves lacked their usual grace and were much more sloppy, let alone the simple swings of Izanagi as a futile attempt to drive them away.

My oh my, that's quite a predicament that you got yourself into

You again? What do you want now? And let me focus, I have to handle them

But can you? Can you raise your blade against your fellows?

If I will have to

Bold words coming from you, after all you couldn't kill those who burned down your village

How do you know that?! Besides it's none of your business

That's the predicament I've mentioned. You know you have to kill, and yet can't bring yourself to do so. But don't worry, I'll help you with that. You will be able to kill those who stand against you, those who wronged you and those who might wrong you. So don't resist

Resist? What was the voice talking about? Just then Samukai felt his headache get even worse. It was unbearable. The samurai had fallen to his knees screaming in pain. What did he do to him? The world around him started to spin around, the soldiers blended with the buildings which were catching on fire. He felt as if the ground under him was melting, he no longer knew if he was kneeling or lying on the cobblestone street. The soldiers around him seemed to back off in fear, yet never letting their guard down.

Now repeat after me; O primal flame whose shine blinds all, cover my body, my mind, my soul in your tongues. Turn them all to ash and give them strength. Turn my hate into horns, my wrath into claws, my rage into fangs. Burn my existence and let me be born anew; Chaotic rebirth

For a second Phantom could swear that he felt Pharaoh standing right next to him. Not just his presence but his actual being. Then the sensation seemed to shift into the direction of Samukai. Or rather it exploded right there. Samukai was screaming, thrashing all over the place as if he was being split apart. The soldiers dumbfounded were backing off from him, clearly not wanting any confrontation. Even the general seemed to be shocked by this, being able to tell that something wasn't right. Noktum and Fenfir were on their way to help the samurai, but stopped as they felt a wave of powerful aura coming their way. It only increased as the warrior was being covered in black and white flame. His screaming and thrashing only amplified and the now mortified soldiers and Chaos only gawked as the samurai had fallen down, seemingly consumed by the mysterious flame.

The flame turned to dark green, as a guttural roar pierced the sky above. It shook the foundations of the town. Whatever beast has let out this horrible scream surely was not pleased with what was happening. The flame was getting smaller, turning into a shape that it consumed. A pair of long horns came from it, followed by a green ragged cape which was blown wildly by the wind. A black gauntlet, which now more resembled a hand of a beast with its long claws, grabbed the nearest soldier. The fire finally faded revealing something that stood in the place of Samukai.

Its armor seemed to grow thinner than it already was, trading heavier plating for the ragged cape and two nearly as long and ragged pieces of clothing, imitating long sleeves that form the entirety of the upper and forearm. The gauntlets and boots were now much sharper than ever before. Samurai seemed to gain another ornament in the form of a small dragon-like tail which for now was wrapped around his waist. His helmet, while still mask-less, had the lowest plates be linked together by another plate, shaped like a lower jaw with many small and sharp fangs. Gone were two swords on the back along with Izanagi. Instead on his hip was another black blade which had ridiculous length, reaching to the ground.

The samurai panted like a wild beast. The terrified soldier tried to free himself from the steel grip of the monster. Chaos stood dumbfounded even more than before as the samurai flung him at the nearby wall. The soldier nearly broke through the wall, leaving it horribly cracked as he fell down lifelessly. Then he drew his ridiculously long blade cut off the head of another nearby victim. Another tried to stab him with his own blade, but the warrior pounced at him, digging his fangs into his neck. The remaining two gave their best to get him off their dead comrade, yet the samurai was stronger and with one swift slash, cut down both of them.

The rest of the soldiers have not dared to go anywhere close to that beast and even the general seemed to be apprehensive about the idea of raising his weapon against him. Phantom returned to the ground and stared in awe and shock at what once was Samukai. Was this what Pharaoh meant as a gift? If so then the demon surely wasn't pleased, just what the hell did he do to him?

Isshin finally decided to go against the beast. He was a general, he had nothing to be afraid of. That monster only confirmed to him that the idea of getting rid of Suzaku was for a better cause. If that was the beast that they had now, what else could they have hidden in the capitol?

The older man pointed the tip of his naginata at the samurai. Samukai got low on the ground, the claws on his gauntlet digging deep into the cobblestone, his left close to the body with knee on the ground and the right one outstretched, just like the left arm which held the ridiculous blade. The samurai, while lacking a face made it more than obvious that he was fully focused on Isshin, his helmet following every single move that the general made.

A black made was an inch from cutting away the general's head. Only his naginata managed to save him, even if her pole was nearly cut in half. It happened in an instant. No one could trace the warrior. The same happened when he jumped off, only to strike again. Isshin this time also managed to block the upcoming blade, yet it still was close to cutting off his head. Samukai once again jumped off and took a low stance.

Noktum and Fenfir joined the demon and in awe watched the spectacle between the general and the beast. The black armor was jumping from one side to another, each time avoiding the wave energy that came from each swing that naginata made. Isshin was trying his best to block every time the blade got near him. Doing so with lesser success each time he had to resort to using his hand which nearly cost him his fingers.

- Master, I know what your answer is, but are you sure that we don't have to help him?

- Unless that general has something up his sleeve then no. But I might need your help to calm down our samurai a bit

Both warriors kept clashing weapons. Isshin's naginata nearly broke in half as he blocked the most recent strike. Jumping away from the beast he had no time to catch a break as Samukai was already right next to him. The general had no means to defend himself this time. In one last desperate act to save his head he tried to redirect the upcoming blade. His weapon broke but the long blade bounced off to the left, cutting off his arm. Isshin's face went pale from pain, though gritting his teeth he did not let himself lower his guard more than he already did.

Samukai let out what could have been called a laugh and returned to the low stance. Without his weapon Isshin only could cast low tier spells. Each wind-blade he casted seemed to have no effect on the warrior, not even damaging his cape or sleeves. The samurai stood up making it clear that he was taller than the general. He gripped his ridiculously long blade with both hands and that was the first time since long that Phantom panicked. A chaos energy. The Blade of Seiryu was being overloaded with chaos. Its green color was much, much murkier than before. But how? Just how could the samurai overload a sixth tier without much trouble? But there was no mistake, even without checking the demon could feel chaos emanating from the blade. That's when the demon decided to do something.

The whole world went gray. Phantom's eyes focused on the warrior. His whole silhouette was straight up made from chaos. Just what the hell did Pharaoh do to him? Small tug on his wing brought him back. He looked back and saw Noktum clearly disturbed by something. He guessed what it could be. If shadow could feel chaos energy then being up close to such ridiculous amounts that spewed out from the warrior probably made him feel uneasy. Though he couldn't blame him. The energy that came from the samurai was different than usual. Demon felt as if the air in which it soared was leaving small cuts on his face.

The ridiculously long blade become even more ridiculously long. It easily reached Isshin who lost most of his strength and was now on his knees. It had to be around five meters long. Before the general could do something, Samukai brought the blade over his head and brought it down with such strength that he himself nearly tripped over. Isshin was cut in half along with the street that they were on. His insides spilled out on whatever was left on the cobblestone. Samukai continued to stand there triumphantly before turning helmet towards Chaos.

- Oi now, you better stop. You don't want to regret it- the demon tried to reason with the samurai but as he lunged at him, it became clear that wouldn't achieve much if anything at all. Phantom took off into the air, taking Noktum with him. The magician casted an abbadon. Samukai was rapidly backing off as if forgetting about his elemental aura. He truly did become like a beast. Where the samurai went the red beam followed.

Creating a greater distance, the samurai raised up his blade and pointed it at the duo. It shot out a bunch of wind projectiles. Phantom had to maneuver between them as Noktum ceased his attack. Samukai kept on shooting, enjoying the growing irritation on the demon's face.

- I swear if you don't stop now, I will crack open your helmet with Drak- Samukai deaf to the threat and continue his offense. The hound who up to that point was only watching, was now trying to sneak his way towards the frenzied warrior. Fenfir had enough of this and if his masters couldn't resolve it by themselves, then he had to do this his way.

Once the hound got close enough to the samurai, who either deliberately or not ignored his presence, he lunged at him. Even Samukai couldn't resist and gave up on the sheer mass of the hellhound. Both of his front paws pinned him down. Samurai tried thrashing, but with his arms trapped he couldn't do much. Phantom and Noktum returned to the ground and came closer to the warrior.

- I hope it's only temporary, but what should we do with you until it wears off?

- Master, could I trap him?

- If he won't break open the tomb, then I don't see a reason why not to- demon wanted to add something, but a green glow coming from the samurai stopped him. Fenfir let go of him as the warrior was once covered in that green flame. After a few seconds it went off, leaving only a confused, disturbed, frightened but most importantly, normal Samukai. The warrior stayed still for a while, before thrashing all around panicked.

- The hell? That was me? That thing was me? It couldn't be me! Don't stand there, say something!- Noktum wanted to come closer in order to calm down the frightened samurai, but he rapidly backed away- Don't! Don't come near me!

- Calm down, there's nothing to worry about- an obvious lie, but the demon thought that it might be enough. Though Samukai seemed deaf to it.

- What did it do to me? Tell me, what did it do to me?!- "it"? Phantom could only hope that it wasn't what he thought it was- The voice told me that it knows you. So tell, what did it do to me!- the sheer desperation of the samurai's voice made the demon uncomfortable. Noktum only looked at the warrior as if he had completely lost his mind, but Phantom had felt a little sorry for him. He had no experience with chaos or with Pharaoh himself, so of course he was lost.

- Look I'll try to explain everything, but for now we have to go- demon said as he heard footsteps incoming. He didn't know if they were from Suzaku or Seiryu, but it didn't matter to him at the moment. Samukai tried to stand up. He was wobbling uncontrollably and only because of Fenfir's quick thinking he did not hit the ground, instead was caught by his mouth. Phantom grabbed Noktum and took off to the sky with the hound following right after them. Due to all of the chaos in the town they managed to escape from it without any major problems.

Phantom led the team a good hill away from the town, before landing and ordering the wolf to let the still shaken samurai out. An uncomfortable silence grew as Phantom did not know how to tell Samukai about the mysterious voice.

- What has happened to me?- that silent question seemed to be mostly for the samurai himself rather than the demon.

- I don't really know how to tell you, but...

- It's my fault, isn't it?- this shocked Phantom. He expected many things from samurai but not this.

- It's because I refused to change, because I was fine being a coward

- Coward?- now the demon was even more lost.

- How else do you call someone who refuses to pick up a weapon? You thought of me like that too. I know, you didn't need to tell me that out loud but that's what you thought

- Huh? No, I would never...

- It's fine. That's who I am. I am neither Tatsuya or Samukai. I am a coward. It's because of me that my father is dead! My friends, the girl who I loved, everyone! Because I refused to take my training seriously, because I wanted to live a simple and quiet life. Because even now I was a hypocrite who kept saying that needless killing is wrong and yet nearly became the same as those scums- exhausted physically but mostly mentally, Samukai fell down on the ground and even though samurai had not spilled a single tear Phantom knew that he was crying.

- You kept in for a long time?- Noktum asked as he sat close to the warrior. Only barely hearable "mhm" came from him. At this point the demon was lost. He knew that he had to do something, but what was this something? Was he supposed to berate him for calling himself a coward, comfort him and say that everything will be okay or tell him to get over it and go on with the mission?

- Say, how much do you need...- demon became silent for a while- I mean, how long do you want to rest?- samurai did not answer and Phantom for a short while hoped that he might have even ignored him.

- Sorry for slowing you down but can you give me a while- and with that the uncomfortable silence returned. A few minutes passed and the demon finally sat closer to the warrior. Still not saying anything he occasionally glanced at Samukai.

- It sucks doesn't it?- samurai sat up and with confused look gazed at the demon- The feeling of guilt that never lets go even if there was no way to avoid what happened. Even if it wasn't your fault you still feel like it was

- Is there something that makes you feel this way?- demon had to think for a short while. Of course there were. Each worse than the last.

- You could say so

- And how do you deal with it? - Phantom became silent once again. Just how was he supposed to answer this question?- Sorry for asking, you don't have to answer if you don't want to

- I don't think I would even be able to answer that one. Although if you call yourself a coward once more then I will have another thing to regret

- But...

- No buts. Would a coward learn from his "failure"? Would he move on and try to stop another failure from happening? I don't think so. And have you moved on? Have you tried to become stronger and trained every day?

- I guess but

- No. Buts. If so then that's good enough for me. That means that you are not stuck on the past

- Even if, I still am a hypocrite

- Samukai listen, I know that even the thought about killing seems terrifying. It is, and you don't have to do it- confused, Samukai stayed silent. He couldn't believe that Phantom was the one saying that- That doesn't mean that cutting yourself completely away from violence is a good alternative. There will be times where you won't be able to reason with someone or run away from them. You will have to fight and maybe even kill them. That alone does not make you a monster, if that's what you are afraid of. For monster would do so without a reason

- Like you?

- Like me- Phantom grinned at that. His grin grew even wider as Samukai laughed.

- Of course you would say that. Thank you, I think I'm slightly calmer now. But what was that voice and form anyway?

- That's something I too would like to know- while samurai wasn't sure, it seemed as if the demon was talking to someone else for a moment- I'll try to explain it to you soon enough. So are you ready?

- Of course. I am Samukai, the samurai who will keep you all murderous demons from wreaking havoc in any town we enter

- Now that's our Samukai!- Noktum cheered as he hopped on the wolf. Samukai alongside Phantom followed soon after and at the break of dawn Chaos continued on with their journey.